Crafting Engaging Internal Monologues: A Guide for Writers

Writing an internal monologue can be a powerful way to convey a character's thoughts, feelings, and motivations. Here are some tips to effectively craft an internal monologue:

Understanding the Character

1. Voice and Tone:

Consider the character's personality, background, and current emotional state. Their internal voice should reflect who they are. For example, a character who is introverted and anxious might have fragmented or hesitant thoughts, while a confident and outgoing character might have more fluid and assertive thoughts. The tone should align with their emotional state. If the character is scared, their thoughts might be filled with fear and uncertainty, while in a moment of hope, their thoughts might be more positive and forward-looking.

2. Motivation:

What does the character want? Their desires and fears should be evident in their thoughts. If a character is conflicted about taking a job offer in a different city, their internal monologue might reflect their hopes, concerns, and doubts. This internal conflict adds depth to the character and helps in creating a more relatable and dynamic persona.

Choosing the Right Moment

3. Use of Pivotal Moments:

Internal monologues often occur during pivotal moments in a story, such as facing a decision, experiencing a significant realization, or grappling with a conflict. These moments can be powerful opportunities to reveal critical aspects of a character's journey and personal growth. For example, right before a big job interview, a character might have an internal monologue debating whether they are ready and deserving.

Using Stream of Consciousness

4. Reflecting Natural Thinking:

Allow thoughts to flow naturally, mimicking how people think. This can include fragmented sentences, incomplete thoughts, and jumping between ideas. This technique can create a sense of authenticity and engagement. For example:

Why did I say that? I should have kept my mouth shut. What was I thinking? It's too late now—everyone heard me.

Showcasing Conflict and Contradictions

5. Highlighting Internal Conflicts:

Show internal conflicts, doubts, or contradictions. This adds depth and complexity to the character. For example:

I love him, but can I trust him? Every time I think about it, my heart races. Should I take the leap or is it safer to stay away?

This internal conflict can make the character more relatable and their journey more compelling.

Engaging Sensory Details

6. Incorporating Sensory Details:

Engage the reader by including sensory details that reflect the character's emotional state. For example, during a moment of anxiety, the character might notice the sound of raindrops hitting the ground or the smell of blooming flowers as calming and comforting.

The coffee shop was too loud, the chatter buzzing in my ears drowning out my thoughts. I needed to focus, but the smell of roasted beans was both comforting and overwhelming.

Using Punctuation and Formatting

7. Varying Sentence Length and Structure:

Vary sentence length and structure to reflect the character's mental state. Short, abrupt sentences can convey anxiety, while longer, flowing sentences can indicate calmness or contemplation. This variation can create a unique and impactful rhythm in the narrative.

I can't believe this is happening. Not now. Not like this. What do I do?

Ensuring Relevance and Clarity

8. Keeping It Relevant:

Ensure the monologue ties back to the plot or character development. It should add depth to the story and provide insight into the character's journey. For example, a character reflecting on their past decisions and their current emotional state can provide a deeper understanding of their motivations and growth.

8.1. Revise for Clarity:

After the first draft, revise for clarity and impact. Make sure the internal thoughts are coherent and contribute to the reader's understanding of the character. This can involve tightening sentences, clarifying thoughts, and ensuring the monologue adds value to the narrative.

Example of an Internal Monologue:

As I stood at the edge of the cliff, the wind whipping through my hair, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was it. The decision loomed over me like a dark cloud: Jump, Stay, What if I fell? But what if I flew? My heart raced, pounding against my ribs. I’d always been afraid of heights, but this was different. This was freedom.

By following these guidelines, you can create engaging and authentic internal monologues that resonate with readers and enrich your storytelling. Whether you're writing a novel, a screenplay, or a short story, internal monologues can be a powerful tool to deepen your characters and make your writing more compelling.